Cinematic Arts

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Cinematic Arts provides comprehensive training in film and media production through a curriculum that balances creative development with technical mastery. Students work on short films, documentary projects, and various forms of media content throughout their studies. The program explores film history, film theory, and international cinema while building practical skills through courses in cinematography, directing, editing, and screenwriting. Cinematic arts students learn to analyze the production process from concept to completion, preparing them for professional roles across the film industry.

Program Mission

The mission of the Bachelor in Cinematic Arts Program is to empower students with the knowledge, and skills necessary for success in today’s media environment. By fostering an environment of innovation, collaboration, and critical thinking, the program aims to cultivate the next generation of filmmakers, screenwriters, and industry professionals who will shape the future of cinematic expression. Through hands-on experience, diverse perspectives, and a commitment to excellence, the program will enable students to craft a story through the production process.

Program Goals

Students completing the cinematic arts major will:

1. Recognize and apply cinematic arts skills and concepts as a distinctive field of academic study.
2. Communicate information using oral, written, and/or visual technologies.
3. Demonstrate fundamental components of storytelling through pre-production, production, and postproduction methods
4. Understand film history, theory, and the business of film.

Program Highlights

The Cinematic Arts, BA program offers specialized upper division tracks allowing students to focus on production, post production, or writing. Students gain hands-on experience through extensive use of professional equipment and facilities. The program features a capstone internship and senior thesis project where students create original work demonstrating their mastery of cinematic arts skills. Faculty advisors guide students through portfolio development, and an academic advisor supports students throughout their educational journey.

Gain Job Ready Skills for a Media Production Career

• Technical proficiency in cameras, lighting, and sound
• Advanced editing techniques across multiple platforms
• Screenwriting and storytelling methods
• Pre production planning and budgeting
• Directing actors and managing production teams
• Cinematography composition and visual design
• Documentary filmmaking approaches
• Animation fundamentals and motion capture technology
• Business practices for the entertainment industry
• Portfolio development and professional presentation

Keiser University offers career focused degree programs designed to support working adults, traditional students, and career changers. With on campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale). Prior to granting transfer of credit for any course, the University reserves the right to test applicants or request that they successfully pass an examination administered by a Keiser University faculty member.

To receive a Bachelor of Arts degree in Cinematic Arts, students must complete 120 credit hours as described below. The length of this program is approximately 40 months (this will vary if a student transfers in credits).

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Graduates of Keiser University’s bachelor of cinematic arts program gain the skills to pursue careers across the entertainment industry and media production fields. The program supports students through comprehensive training in film theory, production process, and business practices. Cinematic arts students develop portfolios of student projects that demonstrate their abilities to potential employers in various forms of media creation.

Career Pathways in Film and Media Production

• Film Production Roles
• Cinematographer
• Director of Photography
• Production Assistant
• Post Production Careers
• Video Editor
• Motion Graphics Artist

• Sound Designer
• Color Grading Specialist
• Content Creator
• Social Media Video Producer
• Corporate Video Producer
• Documentary Filmmaker

Although career services assistance is provided, Keiser University cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s cinematic arts program welcomes aspiring filmmakers, content creators, and media professionals ready to develop their creative vision into career success. The program aligns with your creative goals and professional ambitions. Whether you’re drawn to directing, cinematography, editing, screenwriting, or documentary production, Keiser provides the education and hands-on training needed to make your mark in the media and film industry. Students build professional portfolios, gain real world experience through internships, and learn from faculty with entertainment industry expertise.